Caro-Kann: Two Knights, Bg4 line
Caro-Kann: Two Knights, 3…Bg4 4.h3 Bxf3 5.Qxf3 e6
Definition
The line 1.e4 c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Nc3 Bg4 4.h3 Bxf3 5.Qxf3 e6 is a sub-variation of the Two Knights System of the Caro-Kann Defence (ECO code B11). Black develops the dark-squared bishop outside the pawn chain before locking the center with …e6, while White forces the exchange on f3, gaining the bishop pair at the cost of bringing the queen out early.
Typical Move Order
1. e4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Nc3 Bg4 4. h3 Bxf3 5. Qxf3 e6
Strategic Ideas
- For Black
- Neutralise the knight pressure on d5 by pinning and exchanging.
- Reach a solid «Carlsbad-style» pawn structure (…c6–d5–e6) with no bad bishop.
- Delay …Ng8-f6 to avoid e5-e6 or g-pawn storms while keeping the option of …Bb4 or …Nd7–f6.
- For White
- Enjoy the bishop pair and a small lead in development.
- Use the queen on f3 to pressure f7 and the kingside (ideas of g2-g4, d2-d4, 0-0-0).
- Open the centre rapidly with d2-d4 and sometimes e4-e5 before Black completes development.
Historical & Practical Significance
• The Two Knights System became popular in the 1920s when players looked for aggressive alternatives to the main line 2.d4. • World Champions Alekhine, Karpov, and Carlsen have all tried the setup from the White side, while Caro-Kann specialists such as Sergey Tiviakov and Alexey Dreev have defended it as Black. • Computer engines rate the position as roughly equal, keeping it an attractive practical weapon: White avoids the heavily analysed Advance Variation, and Black sidesteps sharp gambits like the Fried Liver-style ideas that follow 3…dxe4.
Plans & Typical Middlegames
- White plays d4 quickly → resembles a Panov-Botvinnik with an extra tempo, aiming for c2-c4 breaks and long-castling attacks.
- Black maintains the tension → …Nd7, …Bb4, and sometimes …Qf6 to trade queens and steer the game into a favourable endgame without the bishop pair counting as much.
Sample Game
Magnus Carlsen – Radosław Wojtaszek, Wijk aan Zee 2015 (simplified version of the line; Carlsen converted the bishop pair in a long endgame):
After 15.g4, White’s bishops and space edge outweighed Black’s extra pawn, illustrating typical attacking chances in this variation.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 4.h3 was once considered “anti-positional” for weakening g3, but modern engines show that the gain of the bishop pair fully compensates.
- Some club players try 5…dxe4?! immediately, but this often backfires after 6.Nxe4 Qxd4?? 7.d3!, a small tactical trick every Two Knights player should know.
- In the 2021 Titled Tuesday, streamer GM Daniel Naroditsky won a miniature with this exact move order, quipping on air that “the Caro can’t if you trade that bishop so early.”
Theoretical Status
Modern theory rates the position after 5…e6 as ≈ (equal with chances for both sides). Black’s structure is rock-solid; White relies on dynamic possibilities and the long-term strength of the bishops.
Key Takeaways
- Black willingly gives up the bishop pair to achieve a harmonious setup.
- White must act energetically (d4, g4, 0-0-0) before Black completes development.
- Both sides should know the typical plans rather than deep memorisation, making this line ideal for practical play.